Leonid Meteor Shower Overnight

Saturday, November 15, 2025
7:30pm – 8:00am

Look up and join us for our Leonid Meteor Shower Overnight—a special family-friendly experience where you can take in this dazzling celestial show like never before!

With the Leonids near their peak and only a faint waning crescent moon overhead, viewing conditions are expected to be nearly perfect. If skies stay clear, you could see up to 10–15 meteors streaking across the night sky every hour.

Before the celestial show begins—and before you roll out your sleeping bags for a night spent among the exhibits—kick off an evening of discovery with:

  • Flashlight Tours: Shine a light on the hidden wonders of our Mineral Gallery.
  • Asteroid Investigation: Discover the cosmic collision that ended the age of the dinosaurs.
  • Planet Walk: Journey through our solar system and see just how vast space really is.
  • Meteors in Motion: Watch meteors come alive in a dazzling Acheson Planetarium show.
  • Naturalist Night Walk: Search for owls, bats, and other nocturnal creatures alongside a naturalist guide.
  • Scavenger Adventures: Embark on self-guided fun with a meteor-themed scavenger hunt and other interactive challenges.
  • And much more!

The Institute’s campus lights will fade as the stars take center stage, with stargazing set atop our darkened parking structure. Join fellow overnight guests and local astronomers to witness meteors blazing across the sky. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a cozy viewing experience under the stars.

Want an even closer look? Visit our observatory for an unforgettable, up-close view of this celestial spectacle. Refuel during the evening with food and drinks available for purchase at the Institute’s Reflections Café.

Program Schedule:

  • 7:15pm: Doors open for check-in.
  • 7:30pm: Shows, activities, and hands-on fun officially begin.
  • 10:00pm: Festivities pause as everyone gets cozy and sets up their sleeping bags.
  • 10:30pm: Eyes to the sky—it’s time for the Leonid Meteor Shower!

Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $93 for members and $110 for non-members.

Space Science Overnight

January 17, 2026 and April 25, 2026 5:45pm-8:00am

Join us for an out of this world experience at our Space Science Overnight!

Upon arrival, drop off your gear, grab some pizza, and dive into a whirlwind of exciting, hands-on workshops:

  • Acheson Planetarium: Step in for a live-narrated tour of the night sky.
  • Cranbrook Observatory: Peer through our telescope at space objects near and far.
  • Moon: Explore the Moon and make moon phases happen.
  • Constellations: Hear an unexpected constellation story and make a constellation finder to take home.
  • Planet Walk: Take a walk to see how far the planets really are from the Sun -- and each other.
  • Space Science Engineering: Dive into the forces that launch us into Space – and bring us safely back home.

Following programs, set up your camp among the exhibits. A snack and late-night movie add to the fun!

Doors open at 5:45pm for check-in and pizza; programming begins promptly at 6:15pm and concludes with breakfast and departure by 8:00am.

Involved in Scouting? This program can be badge-aligned!

This program is offered on both January 17 and April 25, 2026.

Member Adults/Children/Scouts: $85 per person
Non-member Adults/Children/Scouts: $100 per person